Ten Things I Thought Would Happen For Michigan Against Michigan State

Michigan absolutely rolled the Spartans in Ann Arbor and a lot of things happened that were easy to see coming.

As the game between Michigan and Michigan State approached, it started to feel like U-M was going to run away with it despite a modest 13.5-point spread. The Wolverines obviously ended up dominating, winning 44-10, and several things that seemed possible, ended up happening. Take a look...

Player Predictions

Hassan Haskins will carry the ball at least 12 times — MISS

In fact, no one on Michigan's roster carried it 12 times. Haskins got the start but only carried the ball six times. Despite dominating the Spartans, Michigan never really tried to establish the run. Tru Wilson paced the team with 10 carries and freshman wide receiver Giles Jackson actually led the team in rushing with 32 yards on just two totes. As far as the running game is concerned, it was just a strange day, especially considering what we saw in previous games.

Nico Collins and Donovan Peoples-Jones will both score a receiving touchdown — HIT

Michigan's most talented pass catchers both scored against Notre Dame but that's the only time it had happened this year, until Saturday. Early in the third quarter Shea Patterson found Peoples-Jones for an 18-yard catch and run and then early in the fourth quarter, Patterson hit Collins over the middle for a 22-yard score.

Sean McKeon will catch at least two passes — HIT

This one is obviously pretty straight forward. McKeon appears to be 100-percent healthy again and was on the field for 57 snaps against the Spartans. He was targeted twice and caught both for a total of 46 yards.

Shea Patterson will eclipse his season average of 197 passing yards per game — HIT

Yeah, just slightly. Patterson had his best day in a winged helmet by a mile going 24-of-33 for 384 yards and four touchdowns. His banner day was the best in Michigan history against the Spartans and marked the first time Patterson eclipsed 300 yards as a Wolverine.

Jake Moody will connect on a field goal of at least 35 yards — MISS

Moody did not attempt a field goal on the day but did kick off nine times. Instead, Quinn Nordin handled the field goal kicking duties and he went 3-for-3 with a long of 49 yards. 

Team Predictions

A Michigan true freshman will make an impact play — HIT

I'd say a 39-yard touchdown grab by wide receiver Cornelius Johnson qualifies. Patterson executed an RPO perfectly late in the game and found Johnson down the left sideline all by himself. The rookie receiver easily caught the pass and strolled into the end zone to cap the scoring for U-M on the day.

Michigan will have a 100-yard rusher — MISS

Everyone was certain Michigan was going to try to pound the rock against Michigan State but they did the exact opposite. Shea Patterson was asked to wing it all over the lot and he did it exceptionally well. Because of that, Michigan only had 83 yards rushing on the day total. In fact, Michigan's top three rushers, Giles Jackson, Zach Charbonnet and Hassan Haskins failed to reach 100 yards combined. It was unorthodox for this year, but it was highly effective.

Michigan will force at least two turnovers — HIT

The Wolverines were solid on defense all day long and ended up picking off Brian Lewerke twice. Lewerke underthrew his receiver allowing Ambry Thomas to intercept what ended up being a 50/50 ball and later threw behind his receiver causing it to deflect off the receiver's hands into the waiting arms of Lavert Hill.

Michigan's offense will convert at least one fourth down attempt — MISS

This one is also pretty straight forward. Michigan only went for it on fourth down one time and they didn't get it. Michigan State, on the other hand, went 2-for-2 on fourth down tries but it obviously didn't help.

Michigan will cover the 13.5-point spread — HIT

This is obviously the most important prediction of the weekend and Michigan covered with ease. The spread wasn't even two full touchdowns when the game started but U-M ended up blowing out the Spartans by 34 points. It was the biggest win in the rivalry since 2002 when U-M torched MSU 49-3. 

What do you think of the predictions? Which will happen and which won't? What predictions do you have? Comment below!!!